You have to check which model you are talking about. The El Oso range covers an original list price range from about $500 to near $2000. Then they were heavily discounted The range varies from rigid forks to a Bluto, mechanical brakes to reasonable Shimano hydraulics, SLX groupset down to entry level Acera.
There are a few riding them on here. Try searching, or check the fatbike pictures thread, I'm pretty sure I've seen a few in there.
LMGTFY http://forums.mtbr.com/fat-bikes/my-new-diamondback-el-oso-990712.html
Dirty Hun and Mr Horse seem to be still enjoying their El Oso's

If you plan to use it on beaches it might do but i live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and here for our 4 winter months the 2 most popular the last 4 years are the Norco and the Specialized Fatboy. We benefit from 80-90mm rims, 4.5 to 4.8 in tires to float. Smaller tires and narrower rims do not allow us to float on the softer snow so we have less fat days. The link in your post brought me to a 27 speeds wich is a low price model wich is surely heavy and in bikes i allways prefer a medium or high quality bike. My suggestion is pass on that one and get a 2015 or 2016 that will be lighter, better transmission, better wheels and focus on proper tires for your intended use.

$800 for a newish, suspension forked version of this bike would be a very good deal. Slightly less of a deal if it's the El Oso Grande version.

The two biggest 'issues' directed at this particular bike are that it has a fairly tall stand-over height and a relatively long chain stay length.

Having personally used it, I can comment that the height really hasn't been an issue in my experience and that I don't get the obsession that some people have with chain stay length. I guess if you fancy yourself some kind of BMX freeriding superstar, the chain stay might hold you back on your riding style. I largely will call bullshit on that though and have to say that the bike performs well and to my standards on both dirt and snow. I have a full suspension long travel bike that collects dust most the time since acquiring this bike.

The bike is decently spec'd as is but has a 197 mm thru axle that will allow you to modify it to 1 X 11 or 12 speed and allow you to put 5" inch or plus tires on it if that's your thing.

Full disclosure, I have the Grande version and it's heavily modified. The only original parts are the frame, axel and stem. That said, it's been a good frame to build up from.

How about the least expensive fat bike with 1 X 11 and ability to fit 4.8” tires? That’s what I need but their all $2000. Kona Wo is $1500 but is 1 X 10.

You will not have a fat.
You can buy a simili fat for a few $$.
You can print a picture of a fat for free.
You can find an older fat for 600$.
You can buy shoes for a $.
You are lucky air is free, stop complaining.

You will not have a fat.
You can buy a simili fat for a few $$.
You can print a picture of a fat for free.
You can find an older fat for 600$.
You can buy shoes for a $.
You are lucky air is free, stop complaining.

Your right, I Guess I should be happy getting bent over and spoon fed technology.

Get a Fuji Wendigo 2.1 It is amazing an under $1000--- It is the only bike I will own for a while (unless it gets stolen out of my garage or it gets destroyed!)
Costco bike has a 7 gear selection which has a poor low gear and is low quality like Mongoose.

Trying to find the appropriate thread for this discussion, hopefully this is “appropriate” and will not be chastised.
I am looking to pick up a Fat Bike for under $1000, looking at some options; it looks as if I can even lower that number to under $700.
I live on Long Island, so we have some limited terrain with some mild climbs and decent but nothing to extreme.
I am looking for a bike I can ride year round and get the most enjoyment out of it.
Based on my budget, I think I will be using BD for my purchase (open for any other options though)
I have used them for two other bikes and have not had any issues.

The first option I am looking at is the 2018 Gravity BullseyeMonster Comp with and RST Suspension fork.
This looks like a good deal as it has the front suspension and also the crank has it two front gears.
I think I definitely want the ability to shift gears on the front sprocket for long straight aways vs. climbs.
I know there are a number of discussions if suspension is even required for the type of riding I will be performing, however if it is a good value and I do use my bike on more challenging terrain, I would like to know I have the option of using the suspension. ($700)Save Up to 60% Off Front Suspension Equipped Fat Bikes, BullsEye Monster COMP Fat Mountain Bikes

Trying to find the appropriate thread for this discussion, hopefully this is “appropriate” and will not be chastised.
I am looking to pick up a Fat Bike for under $1000, looking at some options; it looks as if I can even lower that number to under $700.
I live on Long Island, so we have some limited terrain with some mild climbs and decent but nothing to extreme.
I am looking for a bike I can ride year round and get the most enjoyment out of it.
Based on my budget, I think I will be using BD for my purchase (open for any other options though)
I have used them for two other bikes and have not had any issues.

The first option I am looking at is the 2018 Gravity BullseyeMonster Comp with and RST Suspension fork.
This looks like a good deal as it has the front suspension and also the crank has it two front gears.
I think I definitely want the ability to shift gears on the front sprocket for long straight aways vs. climbs.
I know there are a number of discussions if suspension is even required for the type of riding I will be performing, however if it is a good value and I do use my bike on more challenging terrain, I would like to know I have the option of using the suspension. ($700)Save Up to 60% Off Front Suspension Equipped Fat Bikes, BullsEye Monster COMP Fat Mountain Bikes

I do appreciate anyone’s feedback on this. Looking to order as soon as possible so I can start my autumn riding as soon as possible.
Thanks

In my opinion 18 speeds is a minimum for 12 months or at least 11 speeds with a wide range, not just only 11-42.
I never buy entry level.
I allways buy quality, the budget decides the year.
Pick a good 2016 with proper tires for your area.

I had a Motobecane FB5 for a little while before I upgraded to a Surly Ice Cream Truck. It was a good bike for the money, however you can find used deals for quality bikes on the upper end of your budget. I’m sure there are some Pugs out there right in your budget ball park. Check Craigslist and pink bike. Either way, I don’t see anything wrong with the bikes you listed. I believe they can be great entry level bikes if they are maintained and setup properly.

Thanks-I have been checking Craigslist and letgo with no luck. There is a limited appetite for fat bikes around here and the people who have them have not yet started dumpin them. Thanks for letting me know about pinkbike. Just checked there as well, however very few bikes in my area.

Looking at the Monster Comp with RST suspension fork at this time. Anyone see any objections with this model?

Thanks for the response. Looks like I will eliminate the ones with the limited gear options.
Thanks

I would suggest a little more research re the gearing issue, looks like you are missing something.
Most of the 1x bikes (only one gear on the front) are generally more modern than most 2x or 3x bikes (2 or 3 front cogs).
Days gone by, bikes only had 6 or 7 gears (like a 13 tooth to a 32 or 36 tooth cogs) on the back, and needed 2 or 3 on the front to give sufficient gear range to cover most Riding situations.
The modern 1x bike has 10 to 12 gears on the back (generally an 11 or 12 to 46 or even 50 tooth on the back) and a smaller chainring on the front. As such they can basically provide the same gear range as an old multi chainring set up.
The 1x system simplifies the bike, less hardware and less to think about when on the trail.
There is still nothing wrong with a decent 2x, but it's a bit dated and not really necessary as long as you're buying an appropriate 1x system (with sufficient gear range for your fitness and riding conditions).